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9 tips for exploring a cruise port on your own

Sometimes the cruise line-offered shore excursion just isn't going to cut it. If you're a DIY type, exploring on your own can be a blast, but make sure you know where you're going and what you're doing first.

There will always be that one cruiser who passes on cruise line-offered shore excursions in favor of exploring on their own, only to stroll off the cruise ship and realize they don't have a clue where to go. Don't let this happen to you.

Cruise ships get you places, and that's part of the fun. If you're a DIY type, striking out on your own to explore a new place can be a blast, but you still need to know things like how to get from point A to point B and back.

Here are some tips for exploring a cruise port on your own.

1. Do research in advance. Look up your cruise itinerary, pick which ports you want to explore and then check online resources for information on where to go and what to see. Tourist office websites can be very useful in this regard.

2. Make meal reservations in advance. Many a cruiser will describe their favorite island experience as lunch at a romantic ocean-view spot. But if you have your heart set on fine dining, make a reservation before you leave home.

3. Get a good map. Shipboard you'll be given a port map, but it's typically not at all detailed (and may just highlight shops that have financial arrangements with the cruise line). As soon as you arrive in a new port, make a beeline to the nearest tourist kiosk and get a real map. Mark a big X at the pier, so you can easily find your way back.

4. Know prices. If you plan to go shopping, particularly for duty-free jewelry, watches and other pricey goods, acquaint yourself with prices at home. That way, you'll be able to easily spot any real deals.

5. Check taxi fares. If you are taking a taxi, see if there are government-set fares (typically posted near the pier pickup spot). If there's no set fare, negotiate a price with the driver upfront. If you are going to a beach or other remote spot, set a time for the same driver to pick you up and return you to the ship.

6. Get local currency. Even in places where taxi drivers and shopkeepers accept U.S. dollars, museums, parks and local buses may not. You may have to hit the local ATM.

7. Watch the time. You need to be back at the ship by a set time, which may be based on "ship time" rather than local time. Make sure you understand the deadline and don't push it (if you miss the ship you'll have to pay a pretty penny to make your own way to the next port).

8. Beware the moped. A good rule is don't do on vacation what you wouldn't do at home. If you know your way around a motorbike, go for it. If not, there are less hazardous transportation options.

9. Chat up locals. Don't be shy. Some of the best advice on what to see may come from someone you meet on a park bench. Shop clerks can be a great resource for non-touristy lunch spots.